Short answer
Structure your creative process by consciously recalling relevant knowledge, actively brainstorming ideas based on that knowledge, and then systematically refining those ideas.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Asian Journal of University Education (2022)
- Method
- Phenomenological reduction
- Sample
- 3 participants
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Creative analogical thinking in graphic design involves recalling knowledge, using it for ideation, and then concluding ideas. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Asian Journal of University Education. Using Phenomenological reduction with 3 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Structure your creative process by consciously recalling relevant knowledge, actively brainstorming ideas based on that knowledge, and then systematically refining those ideas.
Analogical Thinking in Graphic Design: A Three-Stage Creative Process
Creative analogical thinking in graphic design involves recalling knowledge, using it for ideation, and then concluding ideas.
Asian Journal of University Education · 2022
Key Findings
- 01The general structure of creative analogical experience is a relationship between three constituents: recalling knowledge, using knowledge for ideation, and using knowledge to conclude ideas.
- 02The underlying elements of these constituents are conceptual (declarative) and technical (procedural) knowledge and their combinations.
Application
Design takeaway
Structure your creative process by consciously recalling relevant knowledge, actively brainstorming ideas based on that knowledge, and then systematically refining those ideas.
How to apply
When faced with a design challenge, consciously think about similar problems or solutions you've encountered (recall), brainstorm how those past experiences can inform new ideas (ideation), and then refine your best concepts into a final design (conclusion).
Project actions
- 01When brainstorming, try to find analogies to existing products or concepts to spark new ideas.
- 02Document your thought process, showing how you recalled information and applied it to your design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a structured model for understanding a key aspect of creative thinking.
- +Connects psychological theories of analogy to practical design application.
Limitations
The findings are based on a small number of participants and a specific design context, so they might not apply to all design projects.
Reliability & validity
The use of phenomenological reduction aims for interpretive validity, but the small sample size and subjective nature of qualitative data may limit reliability and generalizability.
Think critically
How might the identified stages of analogical thinking be influenced by the specific tools or software used in the design process?
Design Principles
"Creative ideation is facilitated by a structured process of knowledge recall, application, and conclusion."
Understanding the structure of analogical thinking can help designers develop more effective ideation strategies. By consciously engaging with each stage, designers can foster a more robust and creative design process, leading to novel solutions.
What This Means for Your Design
When designers think creatively using analogies, they go through three main steps: remembering what they know, using that knowledge to come up with new ideas, and then finishing those ideas.
How to use in your project
- 1.You can use this research to explain how you used analogical thinking in your design process, referencing the three stages identified in the study.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The creative process of analogical thinking in design can be understood as a three-stage relationship: the recall of relevant knowledge, the application of this knowledge for ideation, and the subsequent use of that knowledge to conclude and refine ideas. This framework, identified through phenomenological analysis, highlights the interplay between conceptual and procedural knowledge in generating novel design solutions.
Source
Asian Journal of University Education
A Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Analogical Thinking in Graphic Design Elaborations
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about analogical thinking in graphic design: a three-stage creative process?
- Structure your creative process by consciously recalling relevant knowledge, actively brainstorming ideas based on that knowledge, and then systematically refining those ideas. Evidence: Asian Journal of University Education (2022).
- Why does "Analogical Thinking in Graphic Design: A Three-Stage Creative Process" matter for design?
- Understanding the structure of analogical thinking can help designers develop more effective ideation strategies. By consciously engaging with each stage, designers can foster a more robust and creative design process, leading to novel solutions.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Structure your creative process by consciously recalling relevant knowledge, actively brainstorming ideas based on that knowledge, and then systematically refining those ideas.
- What were the main findings?
- The general structure of creative analogical experience is a relationship between three constituents: recalling knowledge, using knowledge for ideation, and using knowledge to conclude ideas.. The underlying elements of these constituents are conceptual (declarative) and technical (procedural) knowledge and their combinations.
- What research method was used?
- Phenomenological reduction with 3 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from Asian Journal of University Education.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When faced with a design challenge, consciously think about similar problems or solutions you've encountered (recall), brainstorm how those past experiences can inform new ideas (ideation), and then refine your best concepts into a final design (conclusion).
- What are the limitations?
- The study involved a very small sample size of three undergraduate students, limiting the generalizability of the findings. The focus was specifically on graphic design using computer graphic technology, which may not represent all design disciplines or methods.